Oregon’s coastline is a treasure trove of charming towns, each offering its own unique blend of stunning ocean views, rich history, and vibrant local culture. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful seaside retreat, fresh seafood dining, or scenic outdoor adventures, the coastal towns of Oregon have something for every traveler. In this post, we’ll explore 12 of the best coastal towns in Oregon.
These are destinations that capture the spirit of the Pacific Northwest and invite you to experience the beauty and charm of life by the sea.
1. Astoria
Offering gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River and Youngs Bay, the port city of Astoria is a charming weekend getaway. Astoria is a wonderful year-round destination, but you will find that the summer months are the warmest and busiest. Oregon’s north coast offers many nationally significant historical sites. Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockie, and is the concluding point of the famous and historic Lewis and Clark Trail.
2. Seaside
Seaside, Oregon is just north of Cannon Beach and is a beautiful place to spend some time on the Oregon Coast. It is a fun resort town leaving plenty of time for outdoor activities like hiking as well as relaxing at the beach. The best time to visit Seaside is in the summer months, specifically July through early September. This is when the weather is the best in terms of temperature and a smaller chance of rain.
3. Cannon Beach
The town of Cannon Beach, Oregon, is located twenty minutes south of Seaside and is a destination you shouldn’t miss when visiting the Oregon Coast. And with it being only a 90-minute drive from Portland, it can be a great day trip if you just want to drop in. Its unique landscape is full of mountains and rocks as well as smooth, long beaches. This is due to the town being nestled between the ocean and the Coast Mountain Range. Check out Haystack Rock, a large rock formation sitting less than a mile into the waters and raising over 200ft above the tide.
4. Rockaway Beach
Located in Tillamook County (home of the world-famous cheddar cheese!), Rockaway Beach is a quiet alternative to other more popular towns on the Oregon Coast. It’s located near other popular towns such as Garibaldi, Manzanita, and Nehalem, but with just 1,000 residents, Rockaway Beach is far quieter than its neighbors. It makes a great stop on an Oregon road trip. The best feature of Rockaway Beach is, of course, its gorgeous sandy stretch of beach. While the water is often cold, walking along the beach at sunset is a must-do in Rockaway Beach.
5. Lincoln City
Lincoln City is a home to the Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area, a beautiful area with great options for anyone wanting to explore the outdoors. There’s a campground suitable for RVs, and tent camping, with hookups and amenities. Inside the recreation area you can go boating, paddle boarding, hiking, swimming and more. It’s also close enough the Lincoln City to be the perfect base camp for a vacation. The beaches near Lincoln City are perfectly smooth and have gorgeous views of haystack rocks and sunsets.
6. Depoe Bay
Coastal wildlife–including harbor seals, brown pelicans, and sandpipers–is plentiful in the small berg of Depoe Bay. Whales frolic off the coast from December through early May, which brings many visitors looking to catch a glimpse, but any time is a good time to visit, including during the depths of winter when people go out of their way to be here for storm watching. The cliff-top Whale Watching Center, which is adjacent to the world’s smallest harbor, provides an excellent ocean view.
7. Newport
If you’re looking for adventure, fun, and relaxation all in one, Newport is a great place. Start with the Yaquina Light House which is open for public tours every weekday. The light house was originally built to guide travelers along a river all the way back in 1871 and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the town of Newport. From the light house, you’ll have a great view of the Pacific Ocean and the Yaquina River as well as a look into the town’s vibrant history. Newport is also home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, rated as one of the best aquariums in the country.
8. Florence
Florence is a charming small town located on the Oregon Coast, about an hour and a half drive due west of Eugene. This town is one of the best coastal towns in Oregon as it offers various adventures, activities and splendid nature exploration opportunities with breath-taking views of Oregon’s coastline. One of the must do activities in Florence is visiting the Sea Lion Caves. These caves are the largest of their kind in the United States. It is delightful to see and hear the sea lions and other sea animals on the rocky cliffs within the caves.
9. Coos Bay, Oregon
Coos bay is the largest town on the Oregon Coast, so as you would expect there are a million reasons to visit this magical place. Being a larger city, Coos Bay has multiple museums dedicated to the region’s history, vibrant festivals all year round, beautiful beaches, plenty of outdoor activities and delicious restaurants. Coos Bay is best visited in the summer months May – October and you shouldn’t miss the incredible rock formations at Shore Acres State Park, the dramatic landscapes of Cape Arago State Park or the Oregon Coast sand dunes.
10. Manzanita, Oregon
Manzanita is a quaint and tranquil coastal town known for its wide, sandy beaches framed by forested hills, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Unlike some of the more commercialized coastal destinations, Manzanita maintains a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, making it ideal for visitors looking to unwind and connect with the outdoors. The town features a lovely main street with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries, all within walking distance of the beach.
11. Yachats, Oregon
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the lush forests of the Central Oregon Coast, Yachats is a charming town known for its natural beauty and serene vibe. The town’s rocky coastline features tide pools teeming with marine life and dramatic sea stacks that make for breathtaking views and excellent photography. Yachats is also a gateway to several scenic hiking trails, including those in the nearby Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, where visitors can explore old-growth forests, towering cliffs, and panoramic ocean vistas.
12. Bandon, Oregon
Located in the south of the Oregon Coast, Bandon is small yet packed with charm. This oceanside town has a quirky art scene, excellent seafood, and a stunning beach. Like many other Oregon coastal towns, the best time to visit Bandon is in the summer when you have the best chance at warmer temperatures and sunny days. While in Bandon, be sure to walk the beach at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. Several sea stacks dot the shore, making it one of the most picturesque beaches on the Oregon Coast.
13. Port Orford
Port Orford is one of Oregon’s oldest coastal towns, rich with history and surrounded by some of the most rugged and dramatic coastline in the state. This small fishing village offers stunning ocean views, scenic hiking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from the busier tourist spots. Visitors can explore the historic downtown filled with local art galleries, cozy cafes, and seafood restaurants serving fresh catches from the Pacific.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.